Muslims pray for peacekeepers

THE Fiji Muslim League has requested all its mosques and centres to pray for the wellbeing of the 45 Fijian soldiers held in captivity by the al-Qaida affiliated group al-Nusra.

League president Hafizud Khan said Muslims around the country shared the same concern that, as Fijian troops were serving in a peacekeeping capacity under UN mandate, any harm or hostile captivity of such personnel should not have happened.

"The Fijian peacekeepers have served gallantly and peacefully over the years in many locations and their dedication to peacekeeping a neutral science, in the line of their duty is depictive of the kindness, friendliness and generosity for which Fijians are recognised all over the world," he said.

Mr Khan said Fiji Muslims would pray that good sense prevailed and all efforts being made by responsible bodies would yield positive results.

Meanwhile, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Fiji's national secretary Aleem Shah expressed deep sorrow and sadness at the act of terrorism in Golan Heights.

Mr Shah said the formation of terrorist groups such as al-Nusra, taking peacekeepers as hostage and killing innocent people was not condoned by Islam.

He said it was neither the teaching of Islam as preached and practised by the Prophet Muhammad.

"All the members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Fiji are reminded to pray for the safety of our countrymen in their daily prayers," he said.

Mr Shah said a special prayer session would be held by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community at the Mahmood Mosque in Maro, Sigatoka, on Sunday.

"There is no doubt that our peacekeepers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces are one of the best in peacekeeping duties which is acknowledged by the UN and the citizens of countries in which our soldiers have provided peacekeeping services," he said.